Isn't It 2014?
Houston mayor sounds off on backwards thinking DPS denying daughter a license for having gay parents
While Mayor Annise Parker has been dealing with opponents of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance for a while now, it seems that isn't the only thing causing her stress these days.
In January, Parker wed her longtime partner, Kathy Hubbard, in a ceremony in California. The two have raised three kids during the course of their 23-year relationship, and although they are legally married in California, the Texas Department of Public Safety did not to recognize such a union when their youngest daughter Marquitta went to take her drivers test. Parker took to Twitter to express her frustration with the situation:
Daughter needs drivers test. Has all docs, some in MomA name, some MomK, but w/ birth cert showing both. DPS says can only be from 1 mom!-A
— Annise Parker (@AnniseParker) October 24, 2014After nearly 24 hours — and several trips to the DPS in Rosenberg — Parker returned to Twitter to announce that the situation had been resolved.
Finally! After 3rd trip to DPS w/ different sets of docs in an unnecessary paper chase, last child has her drivers license.-A
— Annise Parker (@AnniseParker) October 24, 2014Thank you to the DPS clerk & supervisor in the Rosenberg office who took the time to read my daughters documentation & realize it was OK.-A
— Annise Parker (@AnniseParker) October 24, 2014Janice Evans, Parker's communications director, says she is unable to comment on the situation as the mayor is out of town for a speech.
Texas DPS has come under fire in recent months for similar situations facing same-sex couples who married in other states and reside in Texas. Connie Wilson, who married her partner in California, was refused a driver's license in September as her last name did not match her birth certificate. She was denied despite providing her marriage license.
“To receive a Texas Driver License or Identification Card reflecting a name change from a same-sex marriage, a court order is required,” a DPS spokesman told the Texas Observer then.